Works on the Naivasha line has faced numerous challenges. Last January, construction of the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR line was suspended for three days as workers protest low pay and harsh working conditions.

The more than 800 employees protested at the Satellite section in Mai Mahiu, saying they would only resume work after their grievances were fully addressed.

According to one of the workers who sought anonymity, employees at the site were beeing paid Sh25,000 per month as opposed to Sh35,000 for their colleagues in other sections.

But according to China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) spokesman Steve Zhao, workers are paid salaries based on their skills and position in the company.

“On the issue of staff remuneration, this varies depending on the skills level and position in the company. Nonetheless, we are looking into the claims that there is a disparity in remuneration from one sub-section to the other,” said Mr Zhao then.

The new line will also link the planned Naivasha export processing zone and Ol Karia geothermal fields to the Sh327 billion Nairobi-Mombasa railway.

The new rail service will see Kitengela, Ngong, Ongata Rongai in Kajiado County, Kamangu in Kiambu, Suswa in Narok and Mai Mahiu get sub-stations for passenger services.